Patents by Inventor Robert S. Parnell

Robert S. Parnell has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20230065778
    Abstract: Embodiments of this disclosure are directed to an in-bed device having one or more substrates, a wireless transceiver, an antenna coupled to the wireless transceiver, and a control system. The one or more substrates are shaped to be positioned on a bed. The wireless transceiver is disposed on at least one of the one or more substrates, and configured to transmit and receive wireless pulses via the antenna. The control system is configured to cause the wireless transceiver to generate the wireless pulses and analyze the received wireless pulses to determine whether the bed is occupied by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2022
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventors: Wegene H. Tadele, Robert S. Parnell
  • Patent number: 11387678
    Abstract: A wireless power system has wireless power transmitting and receiving devices. The transmitting and receiving devices convey wireless power using stacked resonant structures. The stacked resonant structures are self-resonant and have a parallel-coupled inductance and capacitance. The structures include a magnetic core having a central post and stacked ceramic layers within the magnetic core and laterally surrounding the central post. The structures include interleaved first and second sets of antiparallel-oriented C-shaped conductive layers and are driven using drive traces. The drive traces are formed from one of the C-shaped conductive layers or from conductive traces on a drive printed circuit board that underlies the stacked ceramic layers. The traces include one or more loops running around the central post. Host circuitry for the structures may have a central tap terminal coupled to the traces. If desired, a shield layer may overlap the conductive layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Robert S. Parnell
  • Publication number: 20210099017
    Abstract: A wireless power system has wireless power transmitting and receiving devices. The transmitting and receiving devices convey wireless power using stacked resonant structures. The stacked resonant structures are self-resonant and have a parallel-coupled inductance and capacitance. The structures include a magnetic core having a central post and stacked ceramic layers within the magnetic core and laterally surrounding the central post. The structures include interleaved first and second sets of antiparallel-oriented C-shaped conductive layers and are driven using drive traces. The drive traces are formed from one of the C-shaped conductive layers or from conductive traces on a drive printed circuit board that underlies the stacked ceramic layers. The traces include one or more loops running around the central post. Host circuitry for the structures may have a central tap terminal coupled to the traces. If desired, a shield layer may overlap the conductive layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Inventor: Robert S. Parnell
  • Patent number: 10879745
    Abstract: Various techniques for temperature management during inductive energy transfer are disclosed. A transmitter device and/or a receiver device can be turned off during energy transfer based on the temperature of the transmitter device and/or of the receiver device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Amaury J. Heresztyn, Keith Cox, Eric S. Jol, Jeffrey M. Alves, Jim C. Hwang, Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, John M. Ananny, Nagarajan Kalyanasundaram, Robert S. Parnell, Steven G. Herbst, Todd K. Moyer, Albert J. Golko, Frank Liang
  • Publication number: 20190157898
    Abstract: A receiver device in an inductive energy transfer system can include a touch sensing device. If the input surface of the touch sensing device is touched, a transmitter device can periodically stop transferring energy to allow the touch sensing device to sense touch samples while inductive energy transfer is inactive. Additionally or alternatively, a transmitter device can produce an averaged duty cycle by transferring energy to the receiver device for one or more periods at a first duty cycle step and for one or more periods at different second first duty cycle step. Additionally or alternatively, a transmitter device can reduce a current level received by a DC-to-AC converter if the current received by the DC-to-AC converter equals or exceeds a threshold. Additionally or alternatively, a transmitter device can ping a receiver device and transfer energy only after a response signal is received from the receiver device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Steven G. Herbst, Scott D. Morrison, Jeffrey M. Alves, Brandon R. Garbus, Jim C. Hwang, Robert S. Parnell, Terry L. Tikalsky
  • Patent number: 10193372
    Abstract: A receiver device in an inductive energy transfer system can include a touch sensing device. If the input surface of the touch sensing device is touched, a transmitter device can periodically stop transferring energy to allow the touch sensing device to sense touch samples while inductive energy transfer is inactive. Additionally or alternatively, a transmitter device can produce an averaged duty cycle by transferring energy to the receiver device for one or more periods at a first duty cycle step and for one or more periods at different second first duty cycle step. Additionally or alternatively, a transmitter device can reduce a current level received by a DC-to-AC converter if the current received by the DC-to-AC converter equals or exceeds a threshold. Additionally or alternatively, a transmitter device can ping a receiver device and transfer energy only after a response signal is received from the receiver device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Steven G. Herbst, Scott D. Morrison, Jeffrey M. Alves, Brandon R. Garbus, Jim C. Hwang, Robert S. Parnell, Terry L. Tikalsky
  • Publication number: 20190006892
    Abstract: Various techniques for temperature management during inductive energy transfer are disclosed. A transmitter device and/or a receiver device can be turned off during energy transfer based on the temperature of the transmitter device and/or of the receiver device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Amaury J. Heresztyn, Keith Cox, Eric S. Jol, Jeffrey M. Alves, Jim C. Hwang, Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, John M. Ananny, Nagarajan Kalyanasundaram, Robert S. Parnell, Steven G. Herbst, Todd K. Moyer, Albert J. Golko, Frank Liang
  • Patent number: 10014733
    Abstract: Various techniques for temperature management during inductive energy transfer are disclosed. A transmitter device and/or a receiver device can be turned off during energy transfer based on the temperature of the transmitter device and/or of the receiver device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Amaury J. Heresztyn, Keith Cox, Eric S. Jol, Jeffrey M. Alves, Jim C. Hwang, Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, John M. Ananny, Nagarajan Kalyanasundaram, Robert S. Parnell, Steven G. Herbst, Todd K. Moyer, Albert J. Golko, Frank Liang
  • Patent number: 9811204
    Abstract: A method of scanning a touch sensor panel while the touch sensor panel is coupled to a power adapter is disclosed. The power adapter can charge a battery of a device, but can also introduce or add noise during the process of charging the battery. To prevent adverse effects to the touch sensor panel, while the device is charging, the touch controller can time multiplex touch scan periods and inductive charging periods and can discard touch scans or touch images affected by the noise. Determining whether a touch scan is a bad touch scan can include performing a touch scan across the array of touch pixels and making a determination based on the scan profile. In some examples, the profile can be quantified using different metrics such as the shape, instantaneous slope of tail ends, a full-width half-maximum, and a monotonicity of the curve of the scan profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Christian M. Sauer, Todd K. Moyer, Robert S. Parnell
  • Patent number: 9391668
    Abstract: Reducing a power of a signal electromagnetically coupled from a PLC medium to a digital subscriber line (DSL) medium. The method involves transmitting a data signal over the PLC medium at a first average power level from one of a plurality of PLC transmitters coupled to the PLC medium, then measuring first noise associated with a first signal received at a DSL receiver coupled to the DSL communication medium caused at least in part by the data signal transmitted over the PLC medium at a second average power level from the one PLC transmitter, the second average power level different than the first average power level, followed by measuring second noise associated with a second signal received at the DSL receiver coupled to the DSL communication medium caused at least in part by the data signal transmission over the PLC medium at the second average power level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Adaptive Spectrum and Signal Alignment, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert S. Parnell
  • Publication number: 20160064948
    Abstract: Various techniques for temperature management during inductive energy transfer are disclosed. A transmitter device and/or a receiver device can be turned off during energy transfer based on the temperature of the transmitter device and/or of the receiver device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Amaury J. Heresztyn, Keith Cox, Eric S. Jol, Jeffrey M. Alves, Jim C. Hwang, Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, John M. Ananny, Nagarajan Kalyanasundaram, Robert S. Parnell, Steven G. Herbst, Todd K. Moyer, Albert J. Golko, Frank Liang
  • Publication number: 20160064992
    Abstract: A receiver device in an inductive energy transfer system can include a touch sensing device. If the input surface of the touch sensing device is touched, a transmitter device can periodically stop transferring energy to allow the touch sensing device to sense touch samples while inductive energy transfer is inactive. Additionally or alternatively, a transmitter device can produce an averaged duty cycle by transferring energy to the receiver device for one or more periods at a first duty cycle step and for one or more periods at different second first duty cycle step. Additionally or alternatively, a transmitter device can reduce a current level received by a DC-to-AC converter if the current received by the DC-to-AC converter equals or exceeds a threshold. Additionally or alternatively, a transmitter device can ping a receiver device and transfer energy only after a response signal is received from the receiver device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Steven G. Herbst, Scott D. Morrison, Jeffrey M. Alves, Brandon R. Garbus, Jim C. Hwang, Robert S. Parnell, Terry L. Tikalsky
  • Publication number: 20150370410
    Abstract: A method of scanning a touch sensor panel while the touch sensor panel is coupled to a power adapter is disclosed. The power adapter can charge a battery of a device, but can also introduce or add noise during the process of charging the battery. To prevent adverse effects to the touch sensor panel, while the device is charging, the touch controller can time multiplex touch scan periods and inductive charging periods and can discard touch scans or touch images affected by the noise. Determining whether a touch scan is a bad touch scan can include performing a touch scan across the array of touch pixels and making a determination based on the scan profile. In some examples, the profile can be quantified using different metrics such as the shape, instantaneous slope of tail ends, a full-width half-maximum, and a monotonicity of the curve of the scan profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Inventors: Christian M. SAUER, Todd K. Moyer, Robert S. Parnell
  • Publication number: 20140369430
    Abstract: Reducing a power of a signal electromagnetically coupled from a PLC medium to a digital subscriber line (DSL) medium. The method involves transmitting a data signal over the PLC medium at a first average power level from one of a plurality of PLC transmitters coupled to the PLC medium, then measuring first noise associated with a first signal received at a DSL receiver coupled to the DSL communication medium caused at least in part by the data signal transmitted over the PLC medium at a second average power level from the one PLC transmitter, the second average power level different than the first average power level, followed by measuring second noise associated with a second signal received at the DSL receiver coupled to the DSL communication medium caused at least in part by the data signal transmission over the PLC medium at the second average power level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: Adaptive Spectrum and signal Alignment, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert S. Parnell
  • Patent number: 8589093
    Abstract: A network including powerline adapters (“PLAs”) of the HomePlug Alliance variety or similar implementations such as the European in Opera standard provides for diagnostic capability and software enhanced powerline adapters. The diagnostic capability includes collecting network performance data and either analyzing or forwarding data for analysis. In addition, mechanical design for the PLA with an isolating filter provides for secure mounting while blocking access to a second wall outlet of a duplex unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Adaptive Spectrum and Signal Alignment, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Baran, Eugene R. Wilson, Robert S. Parnell, Hugo Haselhuhn
  • Patent number: 8489344
    Abstract: This application relates to a network including powerline adapters (“PLAs”) of the HomePlug Alliance variety or similar implementations such as the European in Opera standard. The technology disclosed provides diagnostic capability and software enhanced powerline adapters. The diagnostic capability includes collecting network performance data and either analyzing or forwarding data for analysis. In addition, mechanical design for the PLA with an isolating filter provides for secure mounting while blocking access to a second wall outlet of a duplex unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Adaptive Spectrum and Signal Alignment, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Baran, Eugene R. Wilson, Robert S. Parnell, Hugo Haselhuhn
  • Publication number: 20120307879
    Abstract: A network including powerline adapters (“PLAs”) of the HomePlug Alliance variety or similar implementations such as the European in Opera standard provides for diagnostic capability and software enhanced powerline adapters. The diagnostic capability includes collecting network performance data and either analyzing or forwarding data for analysis. In addition, mechanical design for the PLA with an isolating filter provides for secure mounting while blocking access to a second wall outlet of a duplex unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: Adaptive Spectrum and Signal Alignment, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Baran, Eugene R. Wilson, Robert S. Parnell, Hugo Haselhuhn
  • Publication number: 20080190639
    Abstract: This application relates to a network including powerline adapters (“PLAs”) of the HomePlug Alliance variety or similar implementations such as the European in Opera standard. The technology disclosed provides diagnostic capability and software enhanced powerline adapters. The diagnostic capability includes collecting network performance data and either analyzing or forwarding data for analysis. In addition, mechanical design for the PLA with an isolating filter provides for secure mounting while blocking access to a second wall outlet of a duplex unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Paul Baran, Eugene R. Wilson, Robert S. Parnell, Hugo Haselhuhn